The National tribune., 1887-02-24
DECISIONS OF THE NATIONAL PRESIDENT.

DECISIONS OF THE NATIONAL PRESIDENT.
Query At the sessions of n court of inquiry. can
any person be present except the accused, either as
counsel or otherwise?
Answer. II rests entirely with the court To decide
who may be present. In such matters the w.R.C.
should follow the example of the GA. r., and by
reference to Beath's Blue Book, page 40 revised
edition. IL seems to be expected that counsel may
be present and heard as therein stated. The rules
of procedure governing court are plainly stated
and should be carried out in every essential parte
ular IL would always be best for the witnesses to
be excluded from the room while testimony of any
is being given. The court is the judge of its
own actions, and by majority vote can decide who
shall be present but should always advise that
the accused should be permitted to have counsel so
long they conform TO the prophecies Of the
casion II will be understood that the court be
cleared at any time either for deliberation other
wise, and either temporarily permanently. The
idea desired to be conveyed is that while the court
Is composed Of members of a secret organization
they can admit at their option any person or per-
sons whom they may decide will but assist in ar
irving at a proper decision in the matter which Is
before them for investigation. The President and
Judge-Advocate especially of any court should
carefully read and thoroughly famarize them
selves with the methods of conducting Court of
Inquiry as laid down in Deaths Blue Book on pages
13o to 49, before attempting to perform the duties
OF their positions.
Query. Should the charter of Corps and badges
of our Order be draped in mourning for anyone not
a member of our organization?
Answer They should not. This symbol of mourn
ing is but emblem of sorrow for the death of the
member of an organization, and 1t has become GUS
tOmary for such official notice TO be taken as will
bring II to the attention of all their respective
jurisdictions for a specified time. To go outside of
Order would be subversiye Of the true intention
of such mourning emblem, and when once rec
ognized as appropriate, could be practced indefn-
itely and destroy the effect oft being recognized as
a token of regret for the death of a fellow member
Shoulda Post Commander die and the Post order
its charter draped in mourning. ii would not be
proper for its auxiliary Corps to drape its charter
no matter how good a friend he might have been
to Order. Ii would be in good taste and con-
ducive TO kindly and harmonious feeling for the
Corps to- adopt and present to the Post such resou-
tions rs the occasion would demand, thus evincing
a sympathy in their loss, but not presumine to
eneroaeh upon their prerogatve in their method of
recognizing their loss The analogy holds good in
Departments and throughout an entire organiza-
tiOn.-ELIzABETH DARCY KINSE, National Presi-
dent.
Department Gleanings.
DEPARTMENT OF NEW JERSEY.
Mrs. Elizabeth NJ Work, Department President
of New Jersey, has the most cheering news to re-
port in connection with Gen. Lyon Corps No Is
Nineland, which she instituted Saturday evening
Jan. % This Corps is composed wholly of mem
beers formerly of Alpha League, No L. Loyal Ladies'
League, of New Jersey. The Woman's Relief Corps
in general and the Department of New Jersey in
particular should feel proud of this great accession
to the Order.
Mrs. l.. NJ. White. President Of Alpha League
No. /. for two consecutive terms also one of the
orginators OF the Loyal Ladies' League feeling
convinced that the WOman's Relief Corps stands
on a broader foundation than the League and has
more opportunity Of assisting the Grand Army, has
about the change. She is a lady of strong charae-
ter, highly educated, of wonderful nerve and great
| executive ability, and has worked hard in the face
of bitter opposition, and has succeeded in finally
bringing her League into the ranks of the WRC
All honor To- her, and may she be rewarded by see
ing the balance OF the Leagues follow the good ex
| ample Of Alpha League and join Order She
well acquainted with all the Leagues in this State
| and many in Pennsylvania and Is not one to sit
idle but after having achieved the honor of bring
| ing her League with her into the ranks Of the w
/ re- she will undoubtedly continue the good work
/ until the Loyal Ladies' League Of New Jersey will
have joined hands with her and formed themselves
| into worthy Corps of the W.RC
After the institutinss Of this Corps with % charter
| members, a public installation was held which
/ was attended by Gen. Lyon Post and the Sons OF
/ Veterans. After the installation, speeches were
/ made by Mrs. T.. NJ. Work, Department. President ;
| Mrs. Hall, Corps President; Comrades W. G. White
| r c. Hall. several OF the Sons of Veterans and by
| Charles It Work, husband of the Department Presi
/ dent, he being relative of Gen Nathaniel Lyon
the nanesake of the Post and brother Of the author